Happy Birthday to Everyone’s Favorite Small-Town Sheriff

On this day in 1926, legendary entertainer and producer Andy Griffith was born in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. Most know him for the show that shared his name, The Andy Griffith Show, but his career spanned much more than just the beloved show.

In addition to his famous role as Sheriff Andy Taylor and others on television, Griffith was also a film actor, producer, and musician. He began his career as a comedian, which later proved to be valuable during his time on The Andy Griffith Show.

Griffith has a few ties to country music, too. In 2005, he appeared in Brad Paisley‘s music video for “Waitin’ on a Woman.” Paisley told the LA Times that working with Griffith was “surreal,” and that Griffith’s impact on his own life was very real. “I told him, ‘You are as responsible for how I’m raising my son as either one of my parents.’ Just from watching that show, you can raise a boy with the lessons from The Andy Griffith Show,” Paisley said to the LA Times after Griffith’s passing.

Griffith passed away at the age of 86 in 2012, and he left behind a void in the entertainment world that could never be filled. Today would have been Griffith’s 91st birthday.

In honor of Andy Griffith’s birthday, enjoy one of his television moments below.